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Explore every episode of the podcast TCN Talks

Dive into the complete episode list for TCN Talks. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Top News Stories of the Month, August 202404 Sep 202400:48:44

We uncover the hidden challenges and triumphs of the Hospice community in our latest episode of TCNtalks.  Join us, alongside Mark Cohen, as we discuss the impact of John Oliver's HBO episode on Hospice fraud, abuse, and neglect.  The conversation highlights the need for reputable providers from both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors to join forces to protect the integrity of Hospice Care. 

We also bring you the hottest topics from Hospice and Palliative Care Today, including insights on the CMS's 2025 Hospice Final Rule and alarming reports on fraudulent Hospices targeting the most vulnerable.
 
In this podcast episode, Mark Cohen joins Chris for more for the Top News Stories of the Month of August.  This is a new format as Mark has retired from publishing the Hospice News Today as he has transitioned it to Cordt Kassner and the daily publication has been rebranded as Hospice and Palliative Care Today.  You can subscribe for free here:  www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com

With this new format, Mark and Chris highlight the top news stories you should not have missed, each from their different perspectives.  Mark as an editor, news aggregator, and longtime marketing Executive focusing on the quantitative data provided by Cordt’s team regarding the most clicked on and read stories, and Chris as a C-Suite leader of Hospice and Palliative Care.  

In this conversation, Chris Comeaux and Mark Cohen discuss the impact of negative media coverage the hospice sector.  They emphasize the importance of focusing on the quality of care and sharing positive stories to counteract negative perceptions while also preparing Hospice leaders for crisis communication scenarios.  Mark provides tips for effective crisis communication, including identifying and training spokespeople, and having a professional standing by to provide assistance.  The conversation concludes with a reminder to tell the Hospice story consistently and over time to build reputational goodwill. 

Guest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications 

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG 

 

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-august-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Need to Know on the 2025 Hospice Wage Index21 Aug 202400:45:38

In this episode of TCN Talks, Chris interviews Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios and Judi Lund Person, Principal with Lund Person & Associates LLC.  The conversation covers the need to know around the final published 2025 Wage Index for Hospices.  Some of the key points discussed are: 

 

  • The rate increase of 2.9%.
  • The CBSA is an important factor in determining rates for Hospices, and changes can significantly impact reimbursement.
  • The CAHPS Hospice Survey is undergoing changes, including the introduction of online survey options and revisions to the survey questions.
  • Hospices need to stay informed about these changes and adjust their operational planning to ensure compliance and quality care.  The lag in reporting data can result in a delay of several years before the public sees the results of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program.
  • Understanding and addressing patient care preferences is crucial for providing individualized and high-quality Hospice Care.
  • Increased participation in the CAHPS Hospice Survey is necessary to gather valuable feedback from families and improve the quality of care.
  • The implementation of the HOPE tool brings significant changes to the hospice industry, including additional questions and visits to assess symptom impact and social determinants of health.
  • Regulatory changes regarding certification of terminal illness and the election statement provide clarity and align different sections of the Hospice Conditions of Participation.
  • The future of Hospice Care involves a shift towards value-based arrangements and the collection of more detailed data to measure outcomes and improve quality of care. 

 

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the future of hospice care and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.  Annette and Judi are a wealth of experience and knowledge.  So join us, this is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations to become more educated about the changes that are coming and the tracks being laid with the 2025 Wage Index.  This is timely and relevant.   

 


Guest: 
Annette Kiser, Chief Compliance Officer with Teleios Collaborative Network

Judi Lund Person, Principal, Lund Person & Associates LLC

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-need-to-know-on-the-2025-hospice-wage-index

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, April 202430 Apr 202400:52:46

Discover the pulse of hospice and palliative care as I, alongside Mark Cohen, unravel the complexities and triumphs of the industry's latest happenings.  We've curated a compelling lineup of topics that promise to enrich your understanding of the field, from the stark disparities in cancer rates within the LGBTQ+ community to the ongoing struggles Black Americans face in serious illness care. As local newsrooms face cutbacks, we shed light on alternative ways hospice providers can remain influential in their communities, and we don't shy away from the gritty reality of legislative changes impacting hospice care.

Navigating the turbulent waters of healthcare, we dissect the seismic shifts from nonprofit hospitals to concierge care and the potential upheavals of Cigna's and Humana's corporate dance.  The conversation takes a deep dive into the workforce crisis plaguing nursing, revealing the burnout, financial strains, and the surge in unionization that are reshaping the landscape. Mark Cohen's insights illuminate the monumental wage suit victory for Providence employees, and the implications these tides of change could have on early-career doctors and the patients they serve.

In our final chapter, we explore the avant-garde of healthcare regulations and innovation, analyzing the Labor Department's new overtime rule, Medicare and Medicaid missteps, and the proposed 2025 hospice rule changes.  We venture into the realm of technological advancements, discussing cutting-edge tools enhancing senior care and the pivotal role of telehealth in rural caregiving. 

As we close, remember: Effective media relations are vital for hospices, and I offer pearls of wisdom on staying visible in the media fray, inspired by George Eliot's belief in the power of small, consistent efforts.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Judi Lund Person: Unleashed23 Apr 202400:39:10

Judi Lund Person, former vice president of regulatory and compliance at NHPCO, shares her journey into the hospice industry and her passion for ensuring patients and families receive the care they need and want.

Judi emphasizes the importance of addressing bad hospice care and uncovering fraud and abuse in the industry.  She discusses the proposed changes in the 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Conditions, including the implementation of the HOPE tool and the revised hospice cap survey.  Also, Judi highlights the sunset of the VBID demonstration and the need to focus on accountable care organizations and quality reporting.

The conversation concludes with a focus on the importance of putting patients and families at the center of hospice and palliative care.  The discussion highlights the need for personalized care and the role of volunteers in providing support. The conversation also touches on the potential for innovation and collaboration with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.  The wage index and its impact on hospice reimbursement rates are discussed, along with the potential for value-based purchasing arrangements in the future.


Takeaways

  • Ensure patients and families receive the care they need and want.
  • Address bad hospice care and uncover fraud and abuse in the industry.
  • Stay informed about proposed changes in the 2025 Hospice Wage Index and Payment Conditions.
  • Prepare for the implementation of the HOPE tool and revised hospice cap survey.
  • Stay engaged with accountable care organizations and quality reporting Patients and families should be the focus of hospice and palliative care, with personalized care tailored to their needs.
  • Volunteers play a crucial role in providing support and should be integrated into hospice programs.
  • There is potential for innovation and collaboration with Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans to improve care delivery.
  • The wage index and its impact on reimbursement rates for hospice services should be carefully considered.
  • Value-based purchasing arrangements may be a future direction for hospice care.


This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and boards of hospice and palliative care organizations. Here’s a great quote from the discussion: “You never know when something you do or somebody you talk to changes the course of your life."  Join us, this is timely and relevant.

 https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/judi-lund-person-unleashed

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, March 202409 Apr 202400:48:32

In this week’s podcast Mark Cohen joins me once more for the Top News Stories for the prior month.  This is a new format as Mark has retired from publishing the Hospice News Today as he has transitioned it to Cordt Kassner and the daily publication has been rebranded as Hospice and Palliative Care Today.  You can subscribe for free here:  https://www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com/

With this new format Mark and Chris highlight the top news stories you should not have missed each from their different perspectives Mark as an editor, news aggregator, and longtime marketing Executive focusing on the quantitative data provided by Cordt’s team regarding the most clicked on and read stories, and Chris as a C-Suite leader of Hospice and palliative care.

Join us as we explore in this episode topics such as rising suicide risk among seniors, HHS Secretary Becerra's testimony, MedPAC's payment policy report, and technical corrections to the CAHPS Hospice Survey.  They also categorize the articles into themes such as mission moments, reimbursement challenges, competition, workforce challenges, patient and family demographics, regulatory and political issues, technology and innovations, and more. Mark also provides a master class on the use of stock photography in hospice marketing. 

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that intertwines personal experiences, industry insights, and forward-looking predictions, all contributing to a must-listen episode for healthcare professionals and enthusiasts alike.  You won’t want to miss this.  

Guest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG
www.teleioscn.org

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Lessons Learned with Samira K. Beckwith, one of the matriarchs of community-based Hospice01 Apr 202400:32:46

When Samira K. Beckwith graces our mic, you're not just hearing from a healthcare visionary; you're learning from a powerhouse who transformed her battle with Hodgkin’s disease into a beacon of hope for hospice and palliative care. Her journey, shaped by personal trials and the work of legends like Kubler-Ross and Dame Cicely Saunders, has redefined what compassionate care looks like at life's end. Join us as Samira unfolds the narrative of her life's work, mentoring future leaders and innovating patient care to resonate profoundly with those in their twilight chapters.

There's a revolution brewing in elder care and hospice services, and it's one that Samira has been at the forefront of. The pioneering PACE program and the evolution of Hope Hospice into Hope Healthcare serve as testaments to the changing landscape of community-centric care. In this episode, we reveal how initiatives like 'Dancing with the Stars' are more than glitter and glam; they're strategic engagements that knit the community closer, fostering an ecosystem where leadership transcends tasks and becomes a symphony of hope and holistic care.

As we wrap up, we cast a gaze toward the horizon where palliative care and the funeral industry intertwine in the concept of Celebration of Life Centers. Samira and I discuss the essentials of maintaining the sanctity of hospice in the midst of such transitions, embracing innovation while safeguarding the soul of whole-person care. We invite you to lean in, subscribe, and join the conversation that looks to the future without losing sight of the hospice heritage—a delicate dance of mission and business, ensuring the heart of care remains beating strong.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

From Substitution Competition to Collaboration: Shifting our mindset from Substitution Competition to Collaboration Opportunities18 Mar 202400:41:35

Discover the transformative power of hospice and palliative care as Dr. Katy Lanz, a pioneer in the field, joins me, Chris Comeaux, for a riveting conversation on the industry's future. As the founder of TopSite Partners, Dr. Lanz offers her wealth of knowledge, taking us through the industry's evolution with a particular focus on how "substitution competition" is paving the way for innovative collaborative opportunities. Her insights provide a roadmap for navigating the changing tides with ingenuity, highlighting the crucial role of personalized patient engagement and the integration of primary care with social support systems.

Embark on a journey into the heart of healthcare innovation as we discuss the "blue oval" of creativity that lies beyond the confines of traditional healthcare silos. Our discussion illuminates the impact of characters like Susan, who embody the bridge between patients and providers, offering a model for seamless care coordination. We challenge mission-driven healthcare organizations to think outside the box, forge alliances, and pool resources to create indispensable, value-centric care for homebound individuals, turning potential competition into collective success stories.

We scrutinize the delicate dance between developing in-house capabilities and forming strategic partnerships for securing contracts with major healthcare entities. The episode culminates with an inspirational call to action, urging healthcare providers to engage with patients early and integrate deeply into their lives, to remain an essential part of the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Join us for this profound exploration that prepares us to meet the demands of a new era in healthcare.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month February 202406 Mar 202400:49:24

Navigating the complexities of hospice and palliative care takes a special blend of compassion and knowledge.  Join us as Cordt Kassner, a true pioneer with a career spanning over a quarter of a century, shares his experiential treasure trove.  Cordt, now at the helm of Hospice and Palliative Care Today, brings his research acumen from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center to the forefront, discussing the vital role of daily newsletters in keeping industry professionals at the cutting edge.

This episode peels back the layers of healthcare's pressing issues, spotlighting stories that might otherwise slip through the cracks—such as the nuances of hospice facility closures and the ripple effect of private equity in healthcare. Through Cordt's lens, we gain a fresh perspective on these underreported narratives and their far-reaching implications. As he weaves personal tales of hiking and pickleball into our conversation, it's a poignant reminder of the human element that lies at the heart of hospice care.

Wrapping up with a dose of daily inspiration, we reflect on the wise words of historical figures and their enduring influence on our mission in healthcare. Cordt leaves us with a poignant quote, a beacon of motivation that echoes long after our chat concludes. So, pour a comforting beverage, settle in, and let this dialogue stir both mind and spirit, reminding us why we wake up each day to serve those at life's final chapter.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Future of Hospice according to Peter 21 Feb 202400:39:17

Join us on TCNtalks as we welcome back one of the most sought after consultants in the serious illness space, Peter Benjamin, partner at the Huntington Consulting Group, for a compelling discussion on the pivotal shifts occurring in hospice care.

Listen in as Peter, with his 45-year tenure mirroring the evolution of hospice in the United States, offers his seasoned perspective on how these community-based providers can navigate and flourish through the transformative years ahead. His reflections on the hospice benefit's origins and the urgent need for an evolved approach to end-of-life care set the stage for a thought-provoking session.

This conversation ventures into the intricacies of leadership within hospice and palliative care, stressing the urgency for professionals to embrace innovation and adapt to emerging care models. With a lens on the future, we examine the 'Buy, Build, Partner' framework as healthcare organizations grapple with market changes and the complex decisions they face. The talk further unfolds the evolving business models in senior housing and the importance of understanding the nuanced dynamics of the industry to maintain relevance during this critical time.

Wrapping up our enriching exchange, Peter imparts career advice to young healthcare professionals aspiring to make an impact, emphasizing the importance of aligning with organizations at the forefront of industry transformation.

Key Takeaways

  • Hospice and palliative care programs need to adapt to the changing healthcare landscape to remain relevant.
  • Understanding emerging models of care, such as Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans, is crucial for hospice leaders.
  • Building, buying, or partnering with other organizations can help hospice programs navigate the evolving healthcare market.
  • Young professionals should consider a career in end-of-life care and be prepared to embrace change and innovation.
  • Leadership is essential in times of change and can help hospice programs thrive in the future. Medicare Advantage plans are not going away and will continue to play a significant role in the future of hospice care.



Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG
Guest: Peter Benjamin, , Partner, The Huntington Consulting Group 

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month January 202407 Feb 202400:58:19

In this week’s podcast, Mark Cohen joins Chris Comeaux again for the Top News Stories of the prior month.  This is a new format as Mark has retired from publishing the Hospice News Today as he has transitioned it to Cordt Kassner and the daily publication has been rebranded as Hospice and Palliative Care Today.  You can subscribe for free here:  www.hospicepalliativecaretoday.com

With this new format, Mark and Chris highlight the top news stories you don't want to miss, each from their different perspectives.  Mark is an editor, news aggregator, and longtime marketing Executive, and Chris is a C-Suite leader of hospice and palliative care.

Join us as they explore the dynamic shifts within the hospice industry.  Their conversation celebrates impactful 'mission moments' within hospice care, sharing heartfelt stories that exemplify the profound connection between caregivers and patients and address the financial and operational challenges hospices face today.  

Listen in as they tackle the critical issues in healthcare, from the effects of Medicare Advantage on hospice reimbursement to the concerns of data breaches and AI evolutions.  They engage with the complexities of an industry under the microscope of private equity and regulatory scrutiny and highlight the inspiring ways technology is reshaping care delivery.  The discussion with Mark extends to the closure of rural hospitals.

Also, for a fun twist this month, Mark and Chris highlight their predictions and trends we will see over 2024.  As we gaze into the future, they share predictions for the healthcare trends of 2024, anticipating collaborative networks, the consequences of pharmacy deserts, and the enduring struggles of the healthcare workforce.

Tune in for a comprehensive analysis that intertwines personal experiences, industry insights, and forward-looking predictions, all contributing to a must-listen episode for healthcare professionals and enthusiasts alike.  You won’t want to miss this. 



Guest:
Mark Cohen
Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications LLC
Biography

Host: 
Chris Comeaux
President & CEO
Teleios Collaborative Network

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What’s the Diagnosis of the Problem for our Hospice and Palliative Care Movement 17 Jan 202400:37:11

When the ideals of hospice care—the very essence of compassion and dignity at life's end—are at stake, it's time for a hard look at the truths we're facing. That's just what we do as I sit with Dr. Ira Byock, a visionary in hospice and palliative care, to address the heartache and hope within this critical healthcare sector. Dr. Byock, with his transformative book "The Four Things That Matter Most," guides us through the noble roots of hospice care and into the thick of its current crisis, urging us to acknowledge the flaws and fight for the reform this field so desperately needs.

Amidst our candid talk, we confront the sobering inconsistencies in care quality that too many patients endure. Sharing firsthand accounts, we discuss the reality of stretched-thin staff, emergency response shortfalls, and the emotional toll on families, juxtaposed with the defensive postures of industry bodies resistant to change. Dr. Byock insists on the power of apology and transparency in the journey toward healing and betterment, sparking a conversation on the complex dynamics of non-profit and for-profit models and the overarching need for accountability.

The call to action is clear: rekindle the hospice community's commitment to its foundational values and ensure that every caregiver and patient experiences the excellence they deserve. We underscore the intertwined fates of caregiver wellness and service quality, scrutinize the controversial metrics of pain as a quality indicator, and envision a hospice future where excellence in care is the norm, not the exception. It's an episode that not only honors the profound impact hospice care has on families but also champions a vision where such care is a guarantee for all in their final chapters.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories Of The Month December 202310 Jan 202401:00:40

As the year winds down, Mark Cohen joins me once more, bringing the warmth of the holidays to our discussion before we peer into the shifting tides of hospice and palliative care. Our conversation begins with the merriment of jazz in Montreal and quickly pivots to the sobering realities of the healthcare sector. From the scrutiny of nursing homes to the reshaping forces of industry mergers, we unpack the transformative events that are molding the future of end-of-life care.

Mark and I then cast a light on the healthcare headlines that have captivated our attention. We tackle the severe nursing shortage, navigate the complexities of medical marijuana policies, and honor the unsung heroes of healthcare—volunteers. As we pay homage to the lifelong dedication of Rosalynn Carter to caregivers, we also scrutinize the rising influence of for-profit providers in a field traditionally driven by a mission to serve.

The final moments of our masterclass with Mark are spent reflecting on the essence of what we do. We consider the weight of words in the hospice community, challenging the term "industry" for its inability to capture the movement's roots and its mission-focused spirit. We wrap up with an honest look at the financial sustainability of non-profit healthcare, invoking Sister Irene Krause's wisdom: "No margin, no mission." It's a poignant reminder that to care for others, we must ensure the stability of those who serve. 

Join us for an episode that celebrates the holiday spirit, confronts the challenges of healthcare, and honors the individuals dedicated to making a difference.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, July 202407 Aug 202401:04:56

Prepare to gain unparalleled insights into the current state of hospice care and healthcare. On this episode of TCN Talks, we promise to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate today's healthcare complexities. From the latest updates on the NAHC-NHPCO Alliance's comments on the Hospice Care Act to the evolving trend of green burials, we've got the crucial news stories that matter. We'll also unpack the financial struggles facing for-profit healthcare systems and how community health systems are responding.

Ever wondered how private equity's growing influence is reshaping healthcare? Laura Katz Olson's eye-opening book "Ethically Challenged" serves as our starting point as we explore this provocative issue. Hear firsthand accounts and regional examples illustrating the delicate balance between necessary capital investment and its potential negative impacts on service quality and community trust. The discussion extends to rising unionization among healthcare workers and whether similar unrest is brewing in the hospice sector.

We don't shy away from the hard-hitting topics. From the destabilizing effects of removing large trauma centers to controversies around nonprofit hospitals' tax-exempt status, you'll get a comprehensive look at the challenges public hospitals face. We spotlight recent hospice fraud cases, revealing their devastating consequences on families and Medicare, and offer effective strategies for healthcare providers to maintain integrity and service quality. Additionally, Mark explores impactful healthcare marketing strategies, stressing the importance of skilled writing and editing in creating engaging content. Tune in for a deep dive into the multifaceted issues shaping today's healthcare landscape.

Guest 
Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications 

Host
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-july-2024



Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Year in Review, One Word, and an Exciting Announcement for 202427 Dec 202300:19:08

Join the celebration as we mark a monumental year at TCN Talks, hitting an impressive 5,000 listeners milestone! This episode is a heartfelt thank you, packed with gratitude for your steadfast support, and a retrospective of the most powerful moments and conversations that have shaped the past year. Sheila Burke's expertise sheds light on staffing challenges within hospice care, while Peter Benjamin offers a glimpse into the future of our industry. Katie Lanz's innovative consulting work, including projects with household names like Dollar General, comes into the spotlight, as does Quint Studer's vital discussion on leadership and mental health. We're also discussing the crucial importance of personal growth and research, and Carla Davis shares her insights on hospice care's evolving landscape from her vantage point with the nation's leading provider.

As we wrap up another enriching chapter and look ahead, we're focusing on the transformational power of selecting just one word to guide the upcoming year. We're embracing the wisdom found in Stephen Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," and discussing how to script our lives with intention. Whether you're a CEO or cherishing your role in the family, this episode explores how a singular word can distill your mission and sharpen your focus. And as the holidays draw near, I'm thrilled to give you a sneak peek of the trailblazing guests we have in store for upcoming episodes of TCN Talks and Anatomy of Leadership. Remember Dolly Parton's advice as we enter the new year: to know who you are and live it purposefully. Until next time, keep seeking inspiration in every conversation.

Chris Comeaux, MLAS, CPA
President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network and Teleios Consulting Group

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

100% of Healthcare in ACO’s by 2030, what does that mean and why should we care?18 Dec 202300:36:23

Get ready to redefine your understanding of healthcare as we engage in a stimulating discussion with Bob Tavares, the Chief Commercial Officer at HealthPivots. With over 25 years of experience and a firm focus on serious illness care, Tavares enlightens us about the transformative powers of technology, particularly within the realm of hospice care. As we dissect the crucial role of data in service improvement and the importance of fostering data literacy among HealthPivots clients, you'll gain a deep appreciation for the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data.

Our discourse further plunges into the indispensable role of process design in hospice and home care. Unravel the essence of a holistic patient care approach through a model centered around service, quality, cost, and employee experience. As we uncover the link between sales reps' compensation and patient outcomes, we emphasize the dire need for effective systems within organizations. The reality is, superior patient care hinges on well-designed and consistent processes that are continually optimized. 

As we traverse the changing landscape of healthcare, we dive into the world of Medicare ACOs and their pivotal role in value-based care. We debunk misconceptions, clarify the rise of Medicare Advantage, and underline the vital role of hospice and palliative care within ACOs. Our conversation extends to the importance of metrics like HCC scores and county rates, crucial tools for understanding ACOs. As we wrap up, we muse about the trials and triumphs in innovation, reinforcing the resilience and determination required for success. Tune in as we decode the future of healthcare with Bob Tavares.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories Of The Month, November 202306 Dec 202300:49:28

Do you ever sense déjà vu when reading hospice news? Is the content so monotonous that it feels like you are on a never-ending treadmill? That's what Mark Cohen and I, Chris Comeaux, explore this month on TCNtalks, specifically focusing on Hospice Month and the need to transform dull writing into impactful narratives. We delve into the importance of seasoned writers and the power of mentorship in creating engaging articles. 

As the conversation unfolds, we focus on the significant healthcare stories that made headlines - everything from long-term care to labor and employment. We offer our in-depth analysis on hot topics like mandatory staffing in nursing homes, recent mergers, and the rise of death doulas. But that’s not all; we also touch upon the less-than-favorable publicity hospitals are receiving and shed light on labor and employment news. 

Before we sign off, we take a moment to reflect on our journey, expressing gratitude for this platform that allows us to shed light on crucial matters. I want to thank Mark for his invaluable insights that enrich our discussions. This episode is a goldmine of insights for leaders or staff in the hospice and palliative care field, or anyone interested in the healthcare landscape. We hope to spark thoughts, ignite conversations, and inspire you with our dialogues. As John Maxwell said, "Leadership is not about titles, positions or flowcharts. It's about one life influencing another," and we strive to do just that.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

People Over Profits29 Nov 202300:27:46

The healthcare landscape is evolving, and at the center of this transformation is a renewed focus on that which should be most important: the patient and family we serve.   This podcast episode's primary theme features Carole Fisher, President of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI), and Bill Keane, Vice President and Director of Strategy at Emergence. 

The conversation delves into the current state of healthcare, particularly end-of-life care, and the need for a paradigm shift in how we view and manage it.  One of the significant points highlighted in this riveting discussion is the importance of putting people before profits.  This notion should be at the heart of any healthcare discussion, but with today’s challenges and pressures, non-profits are spearheading the call to return to the most important one. 

Recently, NPHI partnered with Emergence to publish a report titled “People Over Profits.”  The report highlighted many significant findings that have the potential to guide serious illness providers through the challenges of the future.  Here’s a great quote from the Executive Summary of the report that we unpack and discuss, “Community-based mission-driven organizations can offer a new narrative of what healthcare can and should be.”  The report included a section on the identified top concerns about aging, which are critical if serious illness providers want to understand the evolving landscape, desires, and needs of those we serve.  In the last portion of the episode, Carole and Bill directly speak to hospice and palliative care leaders and their advice to them, given the findings of this groundbreaking work. 

Join us.  This podcast episode is not only insightful but also thought-provoking.  It offers a fresh perspective on the future of healthcare and the potential of hospice and palliative care organizations to lead the way into the future.

Guest
Carol Fisher
President, National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation Senior Advisor, Healthsperien Executive Coach, Speaker and Podcaster

Bill Keane
VP and Director of Strategy at Emergence

Host
Chris Comeaux
President / CEO of TCN
https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, October 202308 Nov 202300:45:55

In this podcast, Chris continues the monthly program that will be airing throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders. 

Cohen is also the Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications.  Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today.  In this monthly podcast, Chris and Mark highlight the top 10 news stories of the prior month.  

This monthly episode is an excellent resource for busy hospice and palliative care leaders, staff, and the Board.  Mark’s perspective is unique, given his purview of the volume of articles as he scours 100’s of news sources to produce Hospice News Today.  

Chris’s perspective is what hospice and palliative care leaders need to know to help lead their organizations and teams today, but also what they need to know in order to prepare for tomorrow as well.  

Both perspectives make for an enlightening show, so enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut).  

This is a great listen.  Join us; this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information.   

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President & CEO of TCN
Guest:  Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and 
Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Future of Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care07 Nov 202300:34:51

In the realm of healthcare, the need for specialized care for Alzheimer's and Dementia patients has never been more pressing. As the world continues to grapple with the complexities of these conditions, innovations and shifts in care models are needed. In this podcast episode imagine a future where Alzheimer's and Dementia care is not just an afterthought but a priority. This episode will take you on an insightful journey into the world of Dementia care, spotlighting the groundbreaking work of MemoryCare, a nonprofit organization based in Asheville, North Carolina dedicated to empowering patients and caregivers. Our guests, Dr. Stelley Gutman, a seasoned geriatric specialist, and Elizabeth Lackey MSW, Lead Care Manager, guide us through the labyrinth of Alzheimer’s and Dementia care, from diagnosis to innovative care models. 

Are you aware of the toll caregiving can take on one's health? We explore this with Dr. Gutman and Ms. Lackey, delving into the significant health impact of caregiving and the potential solutions offered by their program. They also shed light on their view on the collaborative role of hospice and palliative care for afflicted families and the patient. We also touch on the utilization of hospice facilities and their potential for respite care.  In the final segment of our conversation, we discuss CMMI’s proposed GUIDE model. Reflecting on the importance of collaboration in healthcare.  

Tune in to this enlightening episode and emerge with a richer understanding of Dementia care, the promising strides being made in the field, and most importantly for our listeners the potential collaboration opportunities. You won't want to miss this.  Join us. 


Guest: 
Dr. Stelley Gutman, Staff Physician at MemoryCare

Elizabeth Lackey, Lead Care Manager, MemoryCare and The SECU Center for MemoryCare 

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Measure What Matters And What Really Matters Is The Close Of Life12 Oct 202300:31:59

Imagine having an intimate chat with Dr. Joan Teno, a leading adjunct professor at Brown University, and one of the long-standing researchers in the hospice and palliative care space.  In this podcast we shed light based on research and data regarding quality and satisfaction in hospice. It's not every day you get the chance to dig into such a vital topic with someone of her caliber. In our candid conversation, Dr Teno shares her extensive career experiences, incredible research findings, and highlighting her unwavering commitment to mentoring the next generation of hospice healthcare professionals and researchers. We venture into the heart of hospice care, examining the significance of prioritizing quality over profits and the essential role multidisciplinary teams play in delivering exceptional care.

As we navigate further into this enlightening discussion, we examine the intricate details of quality care in hospice settings.  Drawing insights from Dr. Teno's student's senior thesis, we uncover how even minute variations can profoundly impact the quality of hospice care.  We delve into the value of the CAHPS survey, shedding light on the pivotal role of the family in the care experience.  We then shift our focus to Medicare Advantage plans and their relationship with hospice care.  We discuss the Quality Bonus Plan for Medicare Advantage plans, underscoring the need for transparency and precision in data.  This compelling conversation concludes with Dr. Teno's profound reflection on the significance of acknowledging patients' perspectives on their needs. Y ou don't want to miss this insightful journey through the world of hospice care.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and even Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us; this is timely and relevant.  

The importance of patient’s own views on what they need. - Dame Cicely Saunders

In this era of evolving value-based medicine, where value is determined by costs and quality. We need to stay true to the words of Dame Saunders and don’t forget the quality side of the equation.  – Dr. Joan Teno


Guest:  Dr. Joan Teno
Adjunct Professor of Health Services Policies 
and Practices at Brown University

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/measure-what-matters-and-what-really-matters-is-the-close-of-life

 

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories Of The Month, September 202328 Sep 202300:38:35

Ever wondered about the implications of 'no comment' during a media frenzy?  Our enlightening podcast with Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications, is set to shed some light on this.  We dissect the fallout of negative press and how the refusal to engage can paint an unintentional picture of guilt.  Moreover, we provide a comprehensive review of the September's top news stories in the hospice and palliative care space, including the CMS requirements on staffing minimums in long-term care, public opinion on nursing homes, and the dire need for more staff to carry out state-level inspections.

Are you up-to-speed with the latest hot topics in healthcare?  We've got you covered! This episode takes a deep dive into some riveting discussions around healthcare trends, such as the potential of hospital-at-home programs and the role of Medicare Advantage in homecare services. We call out the complex web of regulatory issues impacting hospice and home health care. Furthermore, we examine the most expensive states to die in and the dominance of Epic in the hospital EHR market.

Lastly, how well do you understand your market and competition?  Together with Mark, we explore the importance of market potential and competition.  We stress the significance of competitive intelligence and staying ahead of the game, drawing wisdom from Mary Ellen's insightful quote.   Tune in and gain insights that are need-to-know for you as a healthcare leader.

Special Guest:
Mark Cohen,
Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

TCNtalks Host:
Chris Comeaux,
President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network
www.teleioscn.org


Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

What’s Love Got to Do With It?20 Sep 202300:29:49

A heartfelt reunion with Julie Kennedy Oehlert, a DMP RN and Chief Experience and Brand Officer at ECU Health, sparks an illuminating discussion on love and leadership in healthcare.  Having once shared the corridors of Studer Group, our professional paths converge again as we delve into Julie's profound impact on the healthcare sector.  Her keynote speech at MPHI's Las Vegas summit, “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” forms the fulcrum of our conversation, underscoring the significance of producing impacting experiences amidst challenging times.

Our conversation meanders through the complex labyrinths of healthcare, highlighting the influential role of relationships.  We challenge the dominance of data and measurements, advocating for a balanced approach that also considers relationships and power dynamics.  Julie's insightful commentary revisits the cultural transformation theory, reminding us to be mindful of the relationships we nurture as they shape our culture.

As we traverse the terrain of leadership strategies, Julie exposes the pitfalls of traditional power structures in healthcare organizations.  She advocates for empathetic leadership styles and the necessity of comprehending the intricate power dynamics within organizations.  We also explore the concept of organizational listening as a tool to achieve this understanding.  The culmination of our discussion emphasizes the importance of self-love and nurturing patient-provider connections in complex healthcare organizations, leaving you with two motivating quotes to fuel your optimism for the future of healthcare.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month of August, 202306 Sep 202300:35:03

Ever wondered how important effective communication is within hospice and palliative care? In this fascinating discussion with our esteemed guest, Mark Cohen, we unravel this mystery, highlighting the indispensability of proficient writing resources in hospice organizations. Mark offers insightful suggestions on acquiring these resources, even in resource-constrained times, and we explore the pyramid style of journalism, identifying poorly written press releases, and the need to champion excellent writing.

We embark on a journey into the art of summarization, understanding how the 'need to know' concept can boost efficiency within your organization. As we scrutinize the 73 flagged articles this month and my top 10 themes, we underscore the significance of staying abreast of the news. Next, we focus on elder care and staffing in hospice, illuminating former President Jimmy Carter's remarkable six-month tenure on hospice care. We decode the latest Medicare regulations, hospice program integrity recommendations, and analyze how the current market is impacting skilled nursing facilities, hospitals, and nursing homes.

Mark graciously shares his wisdom on how to stay current with hospice news and get access to the articles we discuss. We reflect once more on the transformative impact of former President Jimmy Carter's hospice care milestone on changing perceptions within the field. Drawing our enlightening conversation to a close, we underscore the power of focusing on the good to enhance growth. Get ready for a compelling discussion that could change how you see hospice and palliative care!

Guest: Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and 
Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-of-august-2023


Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The DL on ACO's with Larry Preston31 Jul 202400:44:27

Can accountable care organizations (ACOs) truly revolutionize the healthcare landscape? Join us on TCN Talks as we welcome Larry Preston, the visionary CEO and co-founder of Silver State ACO. With an astounding 51 years of experience in healthcare, Larry takes us on a journey from the early days of ACOs in the 1970s to the present. Listen as he recounts Silver State ACO’s remarkable story of overcoming initial setbacks, including a failed partnership, and how leveraging the right IT and legal expertise has been pivotal in managing a minimum of 5,000 Medicare lives.

Our discussion continues with an exploration of the strategies that have driven Silver State ACO to achieve consecutive savings for eight years—a notable accomplishment among nearly 1,000 ACOs in the nation. Learn how strong hospital partnerships, strategic hiring, and meticulous compliance and clinical auditing have paved the way for success. Larry dives into the importance of being present in physician offices to ensure adherence to required formats and standards, a critical factor in maintaining high performance and quality care.

Lastly, we delve into the evolution of healthcare risk models and the transformative power of technology in patient care. From the initial 50-50 savings split to riskier models like the 75-25 plan, discover the financial and operational adjustments that Silver State ACO has undertaken. We also discuss the integration of hospice care within the ACO framework and future innovations in healthcare analytics. Larry’s insights are sure to inspire healthcare professionals to reflect on their own practices and the future of patient care in an ever-changing environment. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable knowledge from one of the leading minds in healthcare management.

Guest:  Larry Preston, CEO and Co-founder of Silver State ACO 

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN / TCG

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-dl-on-acos

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

How To Thrive No Matter What The Future Brings01 Sep 202300:35:14

What if you had the power to shape the future? Our latest conversation with business growth strategist, Meredith Elliott-Powell, will equip you with the insights to do just that. Meredith, a Hall of Fame speaker and award-winning author, lends her expertise on the profoundly transformative impacts of exceptional leadership. Brace yourself as we navigate the thrilling journey of leadership, its role in unlocking individuals' potential, and the courage it demands in prioritizing the wellbeing of others.

We delve into the heart of leadership, exploring pivotal aspects like vision casting, effective communication, and embracing accountability. Meredith also introduces us to the concept of a future-focused workforce. She shares strategies on fostering a proactive culture that anticipates disruption and champions change even before it becomes a necessity. Moreover, she offers practical tips on setting your team on a successful path amidst inevitable industry shifts.

In the end, Meredith illuminates the necessity of adjusting values and embracing change without losing sight of the company's core mission. We tackle the vital task of continuously revisiting goals and values to align them with the organization's vision. This riveting conversation concludes with a powerful thought: Leaders shape the future and transform their teams. Join us in this profound discussion that will push you to introspect your leadership skills and prepare you to navigate the ever-evolving marketplace of today.

Guest: 
Meridith Elliott Powell, Business Growth strategist and award-winning 
author, and a Hall-of-Fame speaker

 
Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/how-to-thrive-no-matter-what-the-future-brings

Podcast Sponsor:
Delta Care Rx
https://www.deltacarerx.com/

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Rethinking and Redesigning the Future of Hospice and Palliative Care16 Aug 202300:24:35

Get ready to embark on an exhilarating journey toward the future of hospice and palliative care! We're thrilled to bring you along as we chat with our distinguished guest, Marian Grant. As an accomplished palliative care nurse practitioner and consultant for industry powerhouses like C-TAC, CAPC, and NPHI, Marian has a wealth of experience and unique insights to share.

First, we'll explore Marian’s fascinating career transition from the world of advertising to the front lines of nursing. What inspired such a change? And how does her diverse background inform her approach to patient care? We'll delve into these questions and more.

Marian also shares her visionary ideas for a possible revamp of the hospice benefit system. Picture this: care that is tailored to individual needs, enabling patients to access palliative services wherever they feel most comfortable. We'll also discuss the pressing need for more adaptable services, along with innovative strategies to identify individuals who might require care earlier than the typical six-month prognosis.

As we venture further, we navigate the crossroads of palliative care and a host of specialties such as oncology, heart failure, and dialysis. We dig deep into the compelling evidence showing the cost benefits and overall impact of integrating palliative care alongside ongoing treatments.

A discussion with Marian wouldn't be complete without marketing insights from Marian, a seasoned consultant, who highlights the importance of showcasing the true benefits of palliative care. Instead of spouting off impersonal statistics, we learn to tell heartening stories that truly illuminate the transformative power of palliative care for those contending with serious illnesses. Tune in, learn, and be inspired!

Download: Serious Illness Messaging Toolkit

Guest
Marian Grant,
A consultant who works with CTAC, CAPC,
and NPHI on policy and with others on Messaging

Host
Chris Comeaux,
President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/rethinking-and-redesigning-the-future-of-hospice-and-palliative-care

Podcast Quote:

"Stop using old hands as the visual for palliative care."  -  Marian Grant


Podcast Sponsor:
Delta Care Rx
https://www.deltacarerx.com/

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories Of The Month, July 202302 Aug 202300:38:36

Have you ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes of hospice care and the innovative approaches being taken to improve patient and caregiver wellness?  This episode might just be what you're looking for!  Joined by our guest, Mark Cohen, we take you through July's hospice care news, reflecting on a quieter month compared to June.  Mark shares his unique hospice story which began in 1995, and the importance of field-shadowing for admin staff.  We also discuss the declining coverage of physician-assisted suicide, medical aid in dying, and medical marijuana legalization. 

Mark identifies ten themes from the recent news that we explore in detail.  These range from futuristic articles to innovative remembrance services.  Mark and I also delve into the impact of diminished news coverage on the hospice sector and the state of news pitching.  The discussion takes an interesting turn as we look at the emerging attention to hospice care for the urban homeless population, and legislation like the Palliative Care and Hospice Education Training Act. 

There's more!  Mark and I highlight top stories that have made headlines, including abuse allegations against Papa and the rising influence of private equity in healthcare. We also talk about the pressing staffing challenges in hospice care and the innovative solutions being implemented to address them.   As we conclude, we reflect on the effects of diminished news coverage on the hospice sector and the current state of news pitching.  Trust us, you do not want to miss this episode if you're looking to stay informed about the latest in hospice care news.

TCNtalks Guest:

Mark Cohen,  Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

TCNtalks Host:

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network




Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Transforming Healthcare: Exploring the ICF Framework26 Jul 202300:25:59

What if there was a tool that could transform the way we deliver healthcare? That’s the question we explore with Dr. Harry Feliciano and Rhonda Oaks in this riveting discussion about the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Dr. Feliciano, a seasoned geriatrician and former senior medical director, brings a rich history of experience in public health and preventive medicine to the table. He shares invaluable insights from his time on the front line of healthcare, as well as his personal journey as a family caregiver.

On the other hand, Rhonda, a certified hospice and palliative care nurse, divulges her expertise on classification systems in healthcare. She illustrates how the ICF can be instrumental in stratifying dementia patients, tracking health outcomes, and considering the impact of social determinants and family care on a patient's prognosis. We also venture into some forward-thinking ideas about the integration of artificial intelligence and digital media with the ICF to capture classes of information. Listen in, it's not every day you get to peek into the future of healthcare delivery.

Guest:

Dr Harry Feliciano
Former Senior Medical Director for Palmetto GBA

Rhonda Oakes
Certified Hospice and Palliative Nurse serving as Community Clinical Liaison at Four Seasons


Host:

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Value of Hospice Today and into the Future12 Jul 202300:30:13

How would you feel if you had the chance to bring peace, comfort, and a sense of closure to someone at the end of their life? Join me as I sit down with Carla Davis, a senior vice president of Hospice and Palliative Care Operations and Business Development for LHC Group, who was moved by this exact idea as a teenager. Carla shares her inspiring journey to hospice care and helps us to unravel the implications of the recent acquisition of LHC by Optum Health Services for the aging U.S. population. As we explore the compelling power of hospice and palliative care, I am sure you will appreciate the transformative impact it has on lives. 

We also take a closer look at the recent research findings on hospice and palliative care reimbursement rates. Delving further, Carla and I discuss the implications of fraud and abuse in the sector, even while providing quality care to patients. You wouldn't want to miss Carla's poignant personal story about her father and how hospice care brought comfort and peace in his final days. As we ponder on the future of hospice care and its integration, I invite you to tune in and uncover its profound potential to enrich lives.


Guest:

Carla Davis, 
SVP of Hospice and Palliative Care Operations and Business Development for LHC Group

Host:

Chris Comeaux, 
President/CEO of TCN

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month June 202305 Jul 202300:39:20

Ever wondered how the media shapes our understanding of hospice care? Listen in as my guest, Mark Cohen, and I dissect the top stories from the past month. Mark, enlightens us on the intricacies of Marketing, PR, and external communications - essential tools for navigating the news. We scrutinize the whirlwind of dueling offers for a medecist option care and Optum, the controversy over Alive Hospice in Nashville, and the damaging coverage of hospital chain HCA.

In this podcast, Chris continues the monthly program that will be airing throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders. He also is Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications. 

Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today.  In this monthly podcast Chris and Mark highlight the top 10 news stories of the prior month.  This monthly episode is a great resource for busy hospice and palliative care leaders, staff, and Board.  Mark’s perspective is unique given his purview of the volume of articles as he scours 100’s of news sources to produce Hospice News Today. 

Chris’s perspective is what do hospice and palliative care leaders need to know to help lead their organizations and teams today but also what they need to know in order to prepare for tomorrow as well.  Both perspectives make for an enlightening show, so enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut). 

Switch gears with us as we plunge into the latest news on physician-assisted suicide, medical aid, and dying. We examine a gamut of developments, from expanded eligibility in Oregon and Vermont to the eye-opening documentary, Last Flight Home. Mark and I also delve into the poignant world of grief and bereavement, offering insights into a variety of personal grief journeys. Hear my perspective from the top of the corporate ladder on the most impactful happenings of June.

Fasten your seatbelts as we race through the latest hospice-related news, shedding light on studies that link hospice care to significant savings. We discuss the merits of the Medicare hospice benefit and the projected cost of hospice care by 2032. We shine a spotlight on the importance of dying with dignity and debunk some common myths about death. We also tackle the issue of staffing shortages in nursing homes and the impact of green card processes on this sector. Lastly, we wrap up with a lively chat on leadership quotes and the challenges of fostering effective teamwork. Mark and I are excited to take you on this enlightening journey through the labyrinth of hospice care news, so tune in and join the conversation.

This is a great listen.  Join us, this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information. 

Guest:

Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host:

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Quotes in podcast:

"Managing is getting paid for home runs that someone else hits."

"Finding good players is easy. Getting them to play as a team is another story."  

- Casey Stengel







Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Artificial Intelligence: Adoption Is Changing Rapidly26 Jun 202300:34:05

What if AI could cure healthcare of burnout? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Jack Neil, CEO of HANK AI, as we uncover the incredible potential of AI and machine learning in the healthcare industry. From Jack's personal journey into this fascinating field to his favorite books that shaped his leadership style, this episode is a treasure trove of insightful information.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing various aspects of healthcare, from the revenue cycle, precision medicine, to computer vision. We also touch on the effects of technology, including the internet and social media, on our lives and mental health. As medical professionals, we discuss the importance of using technology as an accelerator to enhance processes, rather than completely transforming them.

As we dive into automation and its implications for the future of work, we explore how AI can help streamline communication and find commonalities in our conversations. This technology has the potential to reduce the need for certain tasks, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on what truly matters: the art of healthcare. Don't miss this thought-provoking discussion on the remarkable opportunities AI offers in the world of healthcare and beyond.

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Guest: Jack Neil, MD, CEO of Hank.ai

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

GROW, SOW, FLOW, NO AND R&D14 Jun 202300:32:07

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the challenges that come with leading hospice and palliative care programs?  Join us for this episode as Chris Comeaux, TCNtalks Host, talks about  passion for hospice and palliative care, and explore the complexities of leadership within this industry.  With his 28 years of experience and authoring a book on leadership,  tackles a  unique Future External Environmental Scan (FEES) process, a sophisticated way to plot your course for the future and guide your decision-making.

Navigating the challenges in the healthcare industry can seem like a daunting task, but we're here to break it down for you. From demographic and workforce obstacles to reimbursement, EMR, and regulatory challenges, Chris discusses ways to access capital, maximize fundraising, and leverage philanthropy efforts to overcome these hurdles. With the added impact of COVID-19, the looming insolvency of Medicare, and the influence of private equity on healthcare, we provide valuable insight into customers' perceptions of healthcare, tax status of hospitals, nonprofit governance, and the effects of private equity on competition and substitution.

But it's not all challenges and obstacles; Chris also explores reculturing our organizations and creating a defensible moat to stand strong against competition. Highlighting the importance of a strong company culture that reflects its leadership, as well as the concept of 'digging a moat' to protect your business.  Remember, life is either a daring adventure or nothing, so come along for the ride as we help hospice and palliative care leaders navigate the ever-changing landscape of this vital industry.

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, May 202307 Jun 202300:38:32

Are you interested in the latest developments in hospice care? Join us and our insightful guest Mark Cohen as we explore May 2023's top news stories in the healthcare industry, focusing on hospice providers, labor and employment, physician and nursing, end of life care, palliative care, and the hospice business. Mark shares his valuable experience in corporate philanthropy and its impact on his work in healthcare, providing us with a unique perspective on these crucial topics.

Together, we discuss long-term care, physician-assisted suicide, merger and acquisition news, local hospice providers, labor and employment news, and end-of-life care, delving into the recent reaction to rumors about the potential sale of Nashville's nonprofit Alive Hospice. Furthermore, we examine not-for-profits investing in the future through simulation labs, unionization activities, nurse burnout, staffing ratios, nurse shortages, and fraudulent nursing diploma mills. Don't miss this engaging episode packed with essential information and valuable insights for anyone interested in healthcare industry news.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Diagnosis Hospice31 May 202300:28:26

In this podcast, Chris interviews Janelle McCallum, Chief Clinical Operations Officer with TCN and Alan Seivers, Partner with B2B CFO®.  Years ago, there was a great TV series called “Diagnosis Murder” with Dick Van Dyke where he, as a super sleuth, could solve any challenge, riddle, and murder.  

Using this as a metaphor, Chris discusses with Janelle and Alan how they use their skill set to diagnose Hospice and Palliative Care programs.  Janelle and Alan share statistics, measures, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that staff, leaders, and Boards should know about their organizations.  

Chris rounds out the show with one key measure the TCN team has identified in the numerous assessments they have done and he also shares some key measures that can be used to diagnosis palliative care programs.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.  

Quote:   Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. - John Doerr

Guest:

Alan Seivers, Partner with B2B CFO ®

Janelle McCallum, Chief Clinical Operations Officer with TCN

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/diagnosis-hopsice

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is Your Organization Truly Clinically Integrated?17 Jul 202400:34:24

What if you could transform healthcare quality and reduce costs simultaneously? Join us in this riveting episode as we welcome Dr. Will Faber, a family practice doctor and former hospice director, to unravel the complexities and potentials of Clinically Integrated Networks (CINs) in healthcare, particularly for hospice and palliative care providers. Dr. Faber shares his wealth of experience, shedding light on how these legal entities empower independent providers to collaborate effectively, meet Federal Trade Commission criteria, and stand strong against larger, for-profit healthcare entities.

Creating a successful CIN is no small feat. Listen to Dr. Faber discuss the critical steps beyond basic mergers, from establishing robust legal and operational frameworks to developing clinician-led governance structures. We emphasize the importance of a unified culture, inclusivity, and collaborative goal-setting in fostering true integration. Dr. Faber also highlights the rewarding nature of this endeavor and the importance of a supportive, non-punitive environment to achieve high-quality outcomes.

As we shift focus to driving quality within CINs, Dr. Faber explores the evolving landscape of healthcare goals, from the triple aim to the quintuple aim. We delve into the dynamic interplay between large organizations and disruptive innovators, and discuss the impact of for-profit motives on hospice care quality. Finally, we underscore the importance of measurement in leadership and management, sharing thought-provoking insights from industry experts on how effective metrics can lead to positive, tangible results in healthcare. Tune in for an episode packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for building and sustaining high-quality, cost-effective healthcare networks.


Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG
Guest:  Dr. Will Faber

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/is-your-organization-truly-clinically-integrated

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Time with Quint Studer17 May 202300:28:07

In this podcast, Chris interviews Quint Studer, Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group and one of Chris’ long-time and favorite mentors. Quint and Chris discuss many areas, but they start off with the recent Models of Care Insight Study that Healthcare Plus Solutions Group conducted on the workforce and staffing challenges that all of healthcare is facing.  Here is a link to the outcomes of that study.

The study received a response rate of almost 99% validity with over 3,300 participants.  One key finding was that managers see the environment differently from frontline employees.  Another finding was that organizations should not assume that there is more readiness for change than there is.  Therefore, Quint advises that everyone in the organization, including frontline managers, should become an expert in change management.  The study also found that people are desperate for skill training and that organizations need to connect the dots for employees to feel supported in their career development.  Finally, the study suggests that organizations should re-recruit retired nurses and have mentors who understand the training and development process.

Quint and Chris then discussed a blog Quint recently wrote titled, “Change Is Hard. Be Kind to Yourself as You Bounce.” (Link to blog)  Quint emphasizes the need to move out of the valley of despair and into informed optimism.  He believes that most people want to do a good job, but it may be a skill issue rather than a will issue.  Therefore, digging into the details of what skills employees need to acquire and how they learn best is essential for development.  Quint also suggests that organizations should simplify their processes and focus on what employees can do less of to improve consistency and outcomes.  Finally, he advises asking patients about their biggest worry or concern to improve patient care.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations. Join us, this is timely and relevant.

Guest: Quint Studer, Co-Founder of Healthcare Plus Solutions Group

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

Quote from podcast:

What this thing called leadership is all about:  working within the organization to maximize the human potential inside of it. – Quint Studer

Sponsor

Delta Care Rx

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top Stories Of The Month, April, 202303 May 202300:35:45

In this podcast, Chris continues the monthly program that will be airing throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders.  He also is Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications.  Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today.  

In this monthly podcast Chris and Mark highlight the top 10 news stories of the prior month.  This monthly episode is a great resource for busy hospice and palliative care leaders, staff, and Board. 

Mark’s perspective is unique given his purview of the volume of articles as he scours 100’s of news sources to produce Hospice News Today.  Chris’s perspective is what do hospice and palliative care leaders need to know to help lead their organizations and teams today but also what they need to know in order to prepare for tomorrow as well. 

Both perspectives make for an enlightening show, so enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut).  This is a great listen.  Join us, this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information. 


Guest:

Mark Cohen,
Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications


TCNtalks Host

Chris Comeaux
President & CEO
Teleios Collaborative Network

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-stories-of-the-month-april-2023

Quote:

Freedom of the press belongs to the man who owns one. - AJ Liebling

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Reading the Tea Leaves and Practical Advice for the Future26 Apr 202300:25:23

In this podcast, Chris interviews Dr. Katy Lanz, Founder and Principal of TopSight Partners, a boutique advisory innovation partner, focusing on care at home.  Dr. Lanz started out her career as a hospice nurse and helped build one of North Carolina’s first palliative care programs in the early 2000s.  

She later became the Chief Clinical Officer of Aspire, and led through partnerships with over 20 health plans, in 28 states. Katy has led two CMMI demonstrations, an ACO Reach practice and she is now one of the country’s most sought after thought leaders on innovative healthcare projects and the future of serious illness.  

Chris and Katy discuss many topics that hospice and palliative care leaders and Boards need to be thinking about like Medicare Advantage Plans, how disruptive innovations and substitution competition could and are impacting hospice and palliative care, and what they should be doing to position their organizations into the future.  Katy also talks about the competency of managing risk and how important this competency is to the future.  She does an incredible job breaking this down for staff by the bedside to understand what that means and how important our interdisciplinary team members are to that competency, which is going to get even more important in the future.  This one segment of the podcast is one you will want to pay forward to all your hospice and palliative care staff and also your Board. 

Chris and Katy also discuss some of the interesting innovative projects that are emerging and she gets exposed to, including a project with Dollar General.  Did you know that nearly all Americans are within 5 mile radius of a Dollar General?  And did you know they are thinking about how to help their customers and their healthcare needs?  That and many more pearls are waiting for you in this episode.

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.


Guest:
Dr. Katy Lanz, Founder & Principal of TopSight Partners

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN


Podcast quote:

"If we want the rainbow we have to put up with the rain." 
– Dolly Parton


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/reading-the-tea-leaves-and-practical-advice-for-the-future

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Hospice Pharmacy Need to Know12 Apr 202300:23:49

In this podcast, Chris interviews Mary Mihalyo, CEO & Co-founder of Delta Care RX.  Mary has a rich history of teaching and helping to improve the care delivery of the hospice and palliative care segment via pharmacotherapy management, options and expertise.  

Mary through her expertise and then later through helping to co-found Delta Care RX has helped hospice and palliative care organizations since 1999 save dollars and at the same time improve quality hospice care.  This win-win has enabled hospice programs to reinvest in their missions in significant ways.  Mary also shares some future innovations in the pharmacotherapy area that we might look forward to.

A great quote from the podcast from Mary, “The more things change in hospice pharmaceutical care the more they stay the same.  Many of the national medication related issues we are dealing with today are the same as what we dealt with decades ago. Hospices with a solid pharmaceutical care infrastructure likely fare better.”

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.  

"It is not immoral or unethical to think about the cost of therapy.  In fact, the cost of therapy should be recognized regardless of the environment of care."  – Mary Mihalyo

Guest: Mary Mihalyo, PharmD, BCPS; CEO & Co-founder of Delta Care RX

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

www.teleioscn.org

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month March 202305 Apr 202300:35:01

In this podcast, Chris continues the monthly program that will be airing throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders. He also is Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications.  Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today.  

In this monthly podcast Chris and Mark highlight the top 10 news stories of the prior month.  This monthly episode is a great resource for busy hospice and palliative care leaders, staff, and Board.  Mark’s perspective is unique given his purview of the volume of articles as he scours 100’s of news sources to produce Hospice News Today.  Chris’s perspective is what do hospice and palliative care leaders need to know to help lead their organizations and teams today but also what they need to know in order to prepare for tomorrow as well.  

Both perspectives make for an enlightening show, so enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut).  This is a great listen.  

Join us, this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information.

Guest:  Mark Cohen, Editor and Publisher of Hospice News Today, , and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host:  Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-march-2023

Podcast quote:

"Our individual faiths are linked, our futures intertwined. And if we act in that knowledge and in that spirit together, as the Bible says we can move mountains."

– Jimmy Carter’s State of the Union Address January 19, 1978

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

In The Absence Of Data Any Ole Opinion Will Do, So What Does The Data Say29 Mar 202300:30:35

In this podcast, Chris interviews Jay Cushman, President and Founder of HealthPivots, a healthcare analytics provider.

Jay is trained as a physicist but has been looking at data in the hospice and palliative care segment going back to the 1990’s.  In this podcast, Jay shares macro trends he sees in the data going back over these many years taking us to present day.  Then Jay shares what he sees where things are headed.  

Chris and Jay then end with a fascinating conversation regarding how COVID created a huge challenge from a data standpoint due to the black swan event it was in relation to fairly predictable trends in deaths and other population factors.  

This is a great listen chock-full of pearls that Jay has gleaned from the data over the years and that he sees for the future.  

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Board’s of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.  

Guest: 
Jay Cushman, President and Founder of HealthPivots

Host:
Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

www.teleioscn.org

Quote in podcast:

In God we trust; all others must bring data. – Edward Deeming

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

A Look Back In Order To Look Forward … Really Forward15 Mar 202300:25:08

In this podcast, Chris interviews Peter Benjamin, Partner with The Huntington Consulting Group.  The themes from this podcast are Movement, Market, and Metamorphosis.

Peter has a rich history in hospice having worked for the first for-profit hospice in the US and has been consulting in the hospice segment since 1996.  Chris asks Peter to reflect back and name two or three things that have gotten us to where we are today for the hospice segment.  Then they shift the discussion to where things are going as Peter is requested to speak to many boards in the nonprofit segment about what hospices are facing going forward.  Peter cites the S-curve theory as a way for hospice leaders and Boards to grasp the challenge that is before us and where we are in our life cycle.  

Peter recently wrote a white paper he was inspired to craft after these multiple presentations to Boards he speaks to, and he shares some of what is in that white paper along with his prognostication of where he sees things going for our hospice segment.  Peter and Chris finish the podcast by talking about innovation and how iterative vs completely new innovations are going to be called for in order to navigate the challenges and changes that are imminent for the hospice segment.

A great quote from the podcast from Peter, “I hope that as we experience the metamorphosis that is here, we can continue to remember as much as possible about what underlay the hospice movement; a profound wish translated into action that communities could experience end of life care in a better way.  While all hospice providers may not (probably won’t) survive the metamorphosis it will be ‘OK’ if the end result is continued to improve [RL1] [CC2] in the movement founders’ wish.  After all, the hospice movement wasn’t an incremental change…”

This is a great listen for staff, leaders, and Boards of hospice and palliative care organizations.  Join us, this is timely and relevant.  

Everyone is entitled to their own opinion but not their own facts. - Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan

Guest: Peter Benjamin, Partner, The Huntington Consulting Group
Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories Of The Month Feb 202301 Mar 202300:33:08

In this podcast, Chris continues the monthly program that will be airing throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders. He is also the Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications.  Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today.  

In this monthly podcast, Chris and Mark highlight the top 10 news stories of the prior month.  This monthly episode is a great resource for busy hospice and palliative care leaders, staff, and Board.  Mark’s perspective is unique given his purview of the volume of articles as he scours 100s of news sources to produce Hospice News Today.  Chris’ perspective aligns with what hospice and palliative care leaders need to know to help lead their organizations and teams today but also what they need to know in order to prepare for tomorrow.  Both perspectives make for an enlightening show, so enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut).  

This is a great listen.  Join us, this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information. 

Guest: Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network 

 Quote to Remember

You need to remember what happens in you is more important than what happens to you. – John Maxwell 


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Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Black History Month and DEIB15 Feb 202300:28:54

In this podcast, Chris interviews Marisette Hasan, CEO with Lifesprings Consulting Group.  In honor of Black History month, Chris and Marisette start with why it is important for all Americans and hospice and palliative care team members to know and reflect upon Black History.  Marisette then shares some of her heroes from Black History.  What she shared was inspiring!

Chris and Marisette discussed Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging (DEIB) and why hospice and palliative care organizations need to have this on their top priority list.  Marisette also shared some thoughts regarding some longer-term strategies hospices should be considering for their DEIB journey.  There is an eight to ten minute segment here that you will want to listen to over and over again especially for your own organization’s DEIB strategy pathway.  This is a great discussion chock-full of great wisdom and practical steps hospice and palliative care teams and DEIB committees can utilize to focus and accelerate their organizations’ journey.  Join us.

Guest: Marisette Hasan, CEO with Lifesprings Consulting Group

Host: Chris Comeaux, President and CEO of TCN

This episodes quote: "Let us realize the arc of the moral universe is long but it bends toward justice."  -  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month Jan 202303 Feb 202300:30:26

This month we are starting a monthly Top News program that will air throughout 2023.  Mark Cohen is the Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, an essential news and issues management briefing published 365 days a year for hospice leaders. He also is Principal of his strategic communications firm, Cohen-Fyfe Communications.  

Mark spends hours each day reviewing and abstracting articles that make up his daily news brief, Hospice News Today, to inform hospice leaders of relevant news and need-to-know trends to help them navigate their jobs today and into the future.  It occurred to our host Chris Comeaux over the Holidays that it would be a great service to hospice and palliative care leaders to produce a podcast at the beginning of each month highlighting the top news stories of the prior month.  

So enjoy this podcast as Mark and Chris highlight their picks for the top 10-ish news articles for the past month (along with their honorable mentions that didn’t quite make the cut).  

This is a great listen for leaders and staff to see what trends are emerging for the hospice and palliative care sector.  Join us, this is timely, relevant, and packed with need-to-know information. 


Guest: Mark Cohen, Editor & Publisher of Hospice News Today, and Principal, Cohen-Fyfe Communications

Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of Teleios Collaborative Network

 

Quote for podcast

If you focus 20% externally and 80% internally you will rot from the inside out. 
- Martin Eakes 

 

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Top News Stories of the Month, June 202410 Jul 202400:55:45

Join us for an enlightening exploration of the latest advancements in hospice and palliative care. Discover the heartfelt stories of D-Day veterans, the remarkable journey of a terminally ill teen who became an honorary sheriff, and the impactful efforts of U.S. Representative Elizabeth Ann Van Duyne in combating hospice fraud. We also discuss the pressing issues surrounding advanced care planning for late-stage cancer, the increasing mental distress among older adults, and a critical report on Medicare and the healthcare delivery system.

Our conversation goes further into the evolving landscape of hospice care, examining the impact of Medicare Advantage plans, the growth of Silverstone Health, and significant ownership changes in California hospices. Learn about the collaborative affiliations between NOC and NHPCO, the Medisys divestiture, and the bold suggestion to abolish the 5% volunteer rule in hospices. We also highlight the importance of caring for LGBTQ+ patients and expand on Community Hospice's recent growth efforts, while considering the influence of private equity on hospice valuations.

Delve into technology's transformative role in healthcare, from addressing cybersecurity vulnerabilities in rural hospitals to the ethical implications of AI in hospice care. Hear thought-provoking discussions on the mental health challenges faced by hospice staff and the rising concern of CEO burnout in the healthcare industry. Finally, find motivation to embrace life changes, with inspiring insights on the joy of vacations and the perfect timing for new beginnings. This episode is packed with valuable information and heartfelt stories that will resonate deeply with hospice and palliative care leaders and staff.

The conversation concludes with another of Mark Cohen’s Master Classes on marketing, communications, and public relations tips, tactics and strategies.


Host: Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN/TCG
Guest: Mark Cohen, Strategic Communications Consultant/Cohen-Fyfe Communications


https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/top-news-stories-of-the-month-june-2024

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Is It A Staffing Challenge Or A Staffing Crisis?23 Jan 202300:27:16

In this podcast, Chris interviews Sheila Burke, Senior Public Policy Advisor at Baker Donelson Bearman Caldwell & Berkowitz, and Research Faculty / Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard University.

Chris and Sheila discuss the staffing challenge and whether it is going to get better or worse during 2023.  Sheila and Chris discuss a research article from a colleague of Sheila’s, Peter Buerhaus, Ph.D., RN, FAAN, FAAN (article) which reviews past staffing challenges and some that were considered a staffing crisis.  Professor Buerhaus’ article utilizes Category 5 language (drawing an analogy from the hurricane scale) to discuss staffing challenges vs those that are deemed a staffing crisis.  Given Sheila’s extensive years of experience working with the Senate and her public policy work, Chris asks if anything can be done on a national and or state level to prevent the staffing challenge from devolving into a long-term crisis.  Sheila’s answer is a segment you will want to play over and over again as it is a platform of innovative ideas and public policy strategies to help alleviate the staffing challenge and ensures we don’t find ourselves in a long-term staffing crisis.  

A great quote from the podcast Sheila says, “With pending retirements, we are losing an enormous reservoir of experience… the question is how do we utilize that resource and keep those retirees engaged and involved so we don’t lose all that experience… we need to rethink where and how we train.”  This is one of several pearls from this podcast.  

This is a great listen and thinking opportunity for staff and leaders as there probably is no greater challenge in all of healthcare today and going into tomorrow than staffing.  Join us, this is timely and relevant. 

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

Americans’ Views on the US Healthcare System, Aging and End of Life Care12 Jan 202300:27:21

In this podcast, our first of 2023, Chris interviews Tom Koutsoumpas, President and CEO of Capital Caring Health & CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI) and Carole Fisher, President of the NPHI.  

Recently, ProPublica and The New Yorker published an article by Ava Kofman titled, “How Hospice Became a For-Profit Hustle.”  This article put hospice in the news quite a bit toward the end of 2022 and unfortunately it did not differentiate the very real variances between for-profit hospices, which are the hospices the article was highlighting, and nonprofit community-based mission focused hospices like NPHI members and Teleios Collaborative Network (TCN) members.  Chris quoted a great op-ed from Timothy Noah, staff writer with The New Republic.  The op-ed was responding to the ProPublica article by drawing a sharp comparison of for-profit hospice to nonprofit hospice.  Tom and Carole responded to the ProPublica article and the op-ed, they further highlighted the differences of nonprofit and for-profit hospice via a study NPHI commissioned by Milliman.  Carole then went on to share a new study NPHI commissioned on Americans’ views on the US Healthcare system, aging, and end-of-life care.  Carole shared the fascinating outcomes from the study and how community-based nonprofit hospices can leverage this information.  

This is great listen with some great data and learning regarding how community-based nonprofit hospices can build on their care models to further differentiate themselves from the horrible examples in the ProPublica article which aren’t even in the same universe of what community-based nonprofit hospices are providing to their communities.  This is a great listen for leaders, team members, and board members of the hospice and palliative care movement.  This episode will inform and challenge listeners regarding our evolution and allowing our serious illness organizations to stand apart for those needing our services tomorrow and into the future.  Join us.

Host: 

Chris Comeaux, President / CEO of TCN

Guest:

Carole Fisher, President of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI)

Tom Koutsoumpas, President and CEO of Capital Caring Health & CEO of the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation (NPHI)

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

One Word, or Two or Three 14 Dec 202200:20:13

In this podcast, Chris reviews the TCN Talks podcasts from over 2023.  He also shares a great piece of wisdom Teleios and many of it’s members have practiced each year, “One Word.”  This is a much more powerful way to set the tone and intention for your upcoming year and is much more useful than a New Year’s Resolution which seem to wane about 30 days into the New Year.  TCN just released a related blog titled One Word as well. 

Chris also shares some wisdom called “The Rhythms Of Life And Work Life Blend,” in fact this also was a recently released blog from TCN (link to blog).  The concluding segment has some great wisdom to aspire to in order to create a better rhythm and joy in all roles of your life as we enter into 2023.

This is a great listen and way to wrap up your 2022 with an eye towards 2023.  Join us, this is timely and relevant. 

Quotes:

Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in a world they've been given than to explore the power they have to change it. – Adidas

If you talk about it, it's a dream.  If you envision it, it's possible, but if you schedule it, it's real. – Tony Robbins


Host: 
Chris Comeaux, CEO / President of Teleios Collaborative Network

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

The Future Serious Illness Continuum Of Care09 Dec 202200:26:26

In this podcast, Chris interviews Dr. Cameron Muir, MD, FAAHPM, Chief Innovation Officer for the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation & Principal and Founder, Cameron Muir Consulting, LLC. 

Chris and Dr. Muir talk about why hospices should innovate and how necessary it is today given the changes in the payer landscape and broader healthcare landscape. Dr. Muir shares two core areas, or launching pads, by which hospices must think about innovation. He then shares four specific innovations which are great areas for every hospice and palliative care organization to be thinking about. He shares strategies we should consider going forward and ties it all together with a great patient story that connects with the heart of what we do while casting a vision of where innovation could take us. 

A great quote from the podcast from Dr. Muir, “These are scary, uncertain yet exciting times in health care… Stay focused on your mission, and the beneficiaries that you set out to serve… and for which you took your oath as a health care professional… lead with your heart and serve boldly.” Words of wisdom for us all. 

This is a great listen and thinking opportunity for staff and leaders as evolving and innovating the care models of our organizations is essential to our future and, more importantly, the future patients and families we will serve. Join us, this is timely and relevant.

 

Guest:
Dr. Cameron Muir, MD, FAAHPM, Chief Innovation Officer for the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation & Principal and Founder, Cameron Muir Consulting, LLC.

Host: 
Chris Comeaux, CEO / President of Teleios Collaborative Network

https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast/the-future-serious-illness-continuum-of-care

Teleios Collaborative Network / https://www.teleioscn.org/tcntalkspodcast

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